Love Through the Generations

50 Books About Mighty Girls & Their Grandparents

A Mighty Girl's top picks of books about the love between girls and their grandparents.

Many Mighty Girls know how special a relationship with grandparents can be: from special treats to family traditions, grandparents can offer a unique family connection to girls of all ages. And while these relationships can't always be physically close — and sometimes face obstacles, from different languages to a different perspective on the world — grandparents play an important role in the lives of many Mighty Girls.

In this blog post, we're paying tribute to that special relationship with our favorite books about Mighty Girls and their grandparents. From picture books to young adult novels, these stories explore the many forms the unique grandparent/granddaughter relationship can take. Moreover, for the grandparents in our community, we've also featured several keepsake journals that you can use to share even more of your memories with the special Mighty Girl in your life.

Books About Mighty Girls and Their Grandparents

Lulu and her grandfather are heading out for a special trip together: a day at the museum! Lulu, AKA Ladybug Girl, can't wait — she wants to learn everything, despite her grandfather's gentle reminder that there's a lot to explore. She darts here and there, soon becoming exhausted and discouraged. Then, Grandpa shows her a very special place: the butterfly room. There, Ladybug Girl learns that if she slows herself down to look and listen, she can experience wonderful things. This charming new addition to the Ladybug Girl series recognizes the wisdom and perspective that grandparents can teach.

The kitchen window at Nanny and Poppy’s house is like a magic portal for this little girl: everything special happens around it. Whether she’s playing peek-a-boo through it on her way in or feeling both happy and sad when she sees Mommy and Daddy coming to pick her up, the window is the start of it all. Juster captures a child’s view of the world — like her astonishment that she EVER took a bath Nanny’s kitchen sink! — and Raschka’s vivid, Caldecott Medal-winning illustrations present a cozy, loving view of this multi-generational, interracial family.

New!

New!

Sometimes, even if you give Grandma a very careful list of electronic gadgets you'd like for your birthday... she'll give you a lemon tree instead. If that happens, you should be polite and say thank you, and you definitely should not try to get rid of it (even if you do come up with some clever ideas.) Instead, put it somewhere sunny and give it just enough water, and with a little time, you might just have some delicious home-made lemonade (recipe included)! This wry and clever book about the joys of tending a growing plant will give kids new appreciation for the unexpected wisdom they can learn from their grandparents.

Grandfather Tang tells a story in a special way; inspired by the visual aids used by Chinese storytellers, Tompert has Grandfather tells his granddaughter a story about two shape-changing fox spirits — using tangrams. By using the tangram pieces to create images of the fox spirits — and all their transformations — Grandfather Tang teaches Little Soo how to tell a great story and how to turn seven simple shapes into a world of possibilities.

Grannies come in many shapes and sizes, but for the Mighty Girls who love them, they’re always just right! Two children compare their own beloved Granny to other grandmothers they know; they conclude that the most important thing about their Granny, even more important than her wobbly bottom, funny red sweater (that used to belong to Grandpa), and special good night kisses, is that “Our granny has us, and we have her.”

Rosalba and her Abuela are always going to new places, and after feeding the birds at the park, Rosalba sits on the bus and dreams about what it would be like if she could fly. Soon, she’s soaring through the sky, Abuela floating beside her, as they see the streets and buses, docks and buildings, and even her father’s office, all from high above. Together, they imagine a fantastic journey over their busy city, as Rosalba learns more about Abuela’s life and background with everything they see. With its colorful illustrations and mix of Spanish and English, this book is a simultaneous tribute to a bustling, multicultural community and the love between grandmother and granddaughter.

Grandma Lena has grown the biggest turnip that anyone in the family has ever seen, but when it’s time to pull it, it won’t budge! Even when Grandpa, Uncle Izzy, and the dog help her, they can’t get that turnip out of the ground. Fortunately, Baby Pearl provides the last bit of muscle necessary for the harvest. But when it’s done, there’s enough turnip for the family to share with the whole neighborhood. This lovely story about a close-knit family not only celebrates the relationship between grandmother and granddaughter, but also between other family members and the wider community.

Anna and her grandmother have been working on a very special surprise. Day after day, in secret, they’ve been curled up together with a book in hand, puzzling out the letters and words... all so that, on Anna’s father’s birthday, Grandma can stand up and read a story to her son for the very first time. While Bunting communicates a powerful message about literacy, the stronger theme is the value of a close relationship between grandmother and granddaughter, and how that relationship will enrich both lives.

When you babysit a grandma, if you're lucky... it's a sleepover at her house! And with the useful tips found in this book, you're guaranteed to become an expert grandma-sitter in no time! This New York Times bestseller includes helpful tips for young readers on how to keep a grandma busy including things to do at the park, possible places to sleep, and what to do once you're both snugly tucked in for the night.

When Grandma tucks her pants in her boots and grabs her walking stick, this little girl races to join her side! As they walk near Grandma's north woods home, both grandmother and granddaughter get to enjoy special experiences unique to each season — from the snowy nighttime hoot of an owl to the pleasures of fresh tomatoes from the garden — but most importantly, they get to spend extra time together. This charming story captures the joy of exploring nature with someone you love.

Mary Ellen is tired of spending time reading, so Grandpa suggests that it’s the perfect time to find a bee tree! Soon, they’re bumbling through the woods, following bees, and being followed by curious bystanders who wonder just what the pair is doing. The wandering chase finally leads to the promised hive of honey, but when Grandpa and Mary Ellen head home, he has one final bit of wisdom for her: “Just like we ran after the bees to find their tree, so you must also chase these things adventure, knowledge, and wisdom through the pages of a book!” After all, who better than a grandparent to teach when to strive for knowledge — and when to take a break and enjoy the world.

Ever since Grandpa moved to the city to live with his family, it's been hard for him to settle in: no matter what the family suggests he try, nothing is as appealing as the fishing that he loved...and had to leave behind. So when spring rolls around, his granddaughter suggests they cast out a line — off the fire escape! After a while, they get a bite: a Flying Litterfish! Soon, their rods are whipping back and forth as they hook Laundry Eels, Signfish, Constructionfish, and even a Waste-muncher. The game has to end when they attract the attention of the Troublefish/police car...but only for now. This imaginative picture book celebrates the power of play between grandparent and grandchild.

Nanna's button tin isn't just full of buttons: it's full of stories! When her granddaughter needs a button for her teddy, she spills the buttons out onto the floor and discovers dozens of treasures: a tiny yellow button from her baby jacket, an angel button from when she was sick, and even a beautiful, sparkly button from the dress Nanna wore when she met Pop for the very first time. It turns out that they won't just find the perfect button for Teddy: they'll also find the perfect opportunity to share treasured family stories! This warm and welcoming tale celebrates family memories and the unexpected little treasures that can prompt them.

Mia's abuela is moving in, leaving her sunny home surrounded by parrots and palm trees, and Mia is a mix of excited and uncertain... especially once she discovers that Abuela can't speak or read much English. Even though grandmother and granddaughter work to teach Abuela English — and Mia Spanish — they still don't have enough words in common to share stories, hopes, and dreams. Then Mia sees a beautiful parrot in the pet-shop window. Maybe a new friend can help her and Abuela communicate a little better. This charming story combines Spanish and English text beautifully, and kids will love the vibrant, colorful illustrations.

The little girl in this story feels overshadowed by her big sister, who everyone says is "a star." Her sister wins a costume contest, finds Mom's missing ring, knits a scarf all by herself... and the little girl feels like she'll never measure up. Fortunately, her thoughtful grandfather notices, and gives her a special lesson that's part science, part confidence booster: because the beginning of everything is the Big Bang, we are all made of stardust, so she's already a star. Not only does it soothe her hurt feelings as a child, but as an adult, it motivates her for an exciting career as an astronaut! Vibrant illustrations and a gentle, loving story will speak to kids who wish they could stand out.

When Emily gets angry, she turns into a ferocious tiger, and nothing can control her! Her rampant temper tantrums have wrecked the house, ruined birthday parties, and resulted in plates of food flying through the air. Finally, Emily's Granny stops by to teach her a secret: Granny has a tiger, too, except Granny's tiger knows that staying under control means she can have lot more fun. Thanks to Granny's inspiration, Emily manages to restrain herself through the day — so Emily Tiger and Granny Tiger can have some extra-special time together after bedtime. This whimsical story captures the wisdom grandparents can offer — after all, even a Granny was a girl once, too.

Abuela adores Niña, and delights in spending time with her, especially when they make papel picado (paper-cutout banners) together or sit in the park eating pan dulce. She wants to give Niña an extra special treat, so she starts saving what money she can put together, a few pesos at a time. But as Niña gets older, it's harder for them to spend time together, and when a newly issued currency makes Abuela's savings worthless, she thinks her dream has been dashed. Fortunately, a surprise visit from Niña shows that, even when life gets in the way, the love between a grandmother and granddaughter is the sweetest gift of all.

This little girl is so scared of the booming thunder of a Midwest thunderstorm that she hides under the bed! Fortunately, her Babushka knows that this is perfect thunder cake baking weather! By turning her granddaughter’s thoughts to gathering all the ingredients they need — and teaching her to count beats between lightning and thunder so that she knows how far away the storm is — Babushka turns a classic childhood terror into a sign of a special treat! Based on Polacco’s own childhood experiences combating a fear of thunder with the help of her clever grandmother, this book is a charming tale about how a grandparent’s wisdom can benefit a child.

The family is celebrating Nana's birthday, but her granddaughter is concerned: if Nana is happy, why are there always lines on her face that make her seem worried or sad? Fortunately, Nana is quick to correct her: her wrinkles are memories, each of them created when something special happened. One furrow came from solving a mystery; some crow's-feet appeared at a seaside picnic; and one set of laugh lines happened upon hearing of the birth of a special little girl! This sweet intergenerational story alternates pictures of the present with scenes from the past, capturing how a grandparent's stories can make family history come to life.

When a little girl comes home with a dreamcatcher she made in school, she's eager to talk to her Cree grandfather and learn more about her heritage. Her grandfather, though, confesses that he has little knowledge to pass on: as a child, he tells her, his language was stolen from him. The girl comforts her grandfather as best she can, and the next day, she comes home with something special to share: a tattered paperback called Introduction to Cree. While this book is an emotional story of the damage done by the residential school system, it's also a powerful tale of a granddaughter's empathy for her beloved grandfather — and how she gives him hope.

Fern adores her Nanna, but lately, Nanna has not been seeming like herself. "It's like all the joy has gone out of her life," Fern's mother laments. So once Fern understands what joy means, she decides the solution is obvious: she'll catch some and bring it home! A trip to the park produces many things that give Fern a whooosh of joy, but no matter how hard she tries, none of those things can be held or carried. And yet when Fern tells her Nanna about the disappointing news, a whooosh of a smile appears on Nanna's face. This funny and sweet story is a reminder that, while grandchildren may not be able to touch joy, they can certainly bring plenty to their grandparents.

Yiayia is traveling from her home in the distant suburbs to Amalia's apartment in the city for a visit — but to get there, she'll have to go on quite the journey! And as with most trips, there are a few hiccups on the way, from a race to the train that leaves Yiayia panting to a lost suitcase. But throughout the trip, Yiayia is reminded of her beloved granddaughter and all the fun things the pair will do together. Mighty Girls who love cars, trains, and other things that go will particularly enjoy this lighthearted story.

After being inspired by her grandfather's beautiful playing on a recent trip to Japan — both classical music and fascinating imitations of natural sounds — Hana decides to take violin lessons. Now, she's signed up for the talent show even though she's only had three lessons! Her brothers insist that the performance will be a disaster, but Hana takes a page from Ojiichan's book and practices every day. And when last-minute jitters rear their heads, she draws on him for inspiration one last time — before bringing the house down! This sweet, quiet story is a lesson in the value of practice and dedication, as well as a reminder that grandparents don't have to live next door to influence their grandchildren's lives.

This girl’s grandmother “has a way with flowers” and spends her days tending the gardens around her home — often with a little helper by her side. But even her loving assistant can’t help but notice Grandma is starting to repeat things... and eventually Grandma is in the hospital, unable to recognize her own family. Her granddaughter feels lost and alone — until she remembers the lessons Grandma taught her about life, growth, and death. And when Grandma dies, her granddaughter is ready to take Grandma’s gardening gloves and pass the knowledge on. This touching, sensitive story is a great way to help children understand that their relationships with grandparents doesn’t have to end with the end of a life.

Grandmama Coles has just gotten a big opportunity: the chance to tour the South with a swing jazz band! And granddaughter Belle is thrilled to come along for the ride. But as she travels, Belle discovers that nothing is easy; everything is segregated, and Grandmama and other African-American musicians have to fight to be treated equitably. But when Grandmama sings, for a little while, everyone comes together, and Belle can see Grandmama's vision of "a place where black people and white people aren't kept apart." A beautiful story about how a grandparent can show a child about standing up for what's right.

Julia has always adored her grandmother, but recently, something has been changing. Grandma has been forgetting things, losing track of where she parked her car, even getting confused in familiar places. When they find Grandma wandering in the neighborhood one day, it's clear that something has to change. Julia's mother provides a gentle, empathetic explanation of Alzheimer's disease, and reminds her that, no matter what, she can still be an important part of her grandmother's life. Parents looking for other resources about grandparents with Alzheimer's disease or memory loss can also check out Still my Grandma and What's Happening to Grandpa?, which are both for age 4 - 8.

When Sakura's dad gets a new job in America, Sakura struggles with culture clash and learning a new language, but most of all she misses her beloved grandmother, Obaachan, who used to picnic with her under the cherry trees. Slowly, though, she makes a new friend and starts to settle in... until Obaachan gets sick, and the family has to fly back to Japan to say goodbye. When she gets home, her friend Luke tells her she'll get a surprise in the spring — and Sakura is delighted to see the cherry trees that bloom in her own neighborhood, bringing warm memories and special time with new friends. This warmhearted, thoughtful story celebrates the healing power of friendship and the beauty of spring.

On a spring day, Yetsa joins her mother and grandmother join together to prepare sheep fleeces for a very special tradition: the creation of traditional Cowichan sweaters. As Yetsa learns to clean, dry, and spin the fleece — and watches her grandmother knit a unique sweater, just for her — laughter, love, and hard work connect all three generations. This celebration of the Cowichan tribe's century-old blend of traditional woolworking with Scottish knitting is also a testament to the pleasures of a grandparent passing on family knowledge.

Mona lives in America, but her Sitti (grandmother in Arabic) lives across the world in a small Palestinian village. When Mona went to visit, at first she had to rely on her father to translate, but soon she and Sitti developed their own language of hums, claps, and signs. Mona's time with Sitti is so special that she is inspired to write to the President, saying, “If the people of the United States could meet Sitti, they'd like her, for sure...I vote for peace. My grandmother votes with me.” The poetic text and subtle illustrations make for a touching story about how the bonds of family can transcend distance, language, and nations.

This Caldecott Honor-winning story about Cynthia Rylant’s childhood, being raised by her grandparents in the Appalachian Mountains, is a classic for a reason! Her vivid memories of her grandfather returning home, covered in coal dust, or her grandmother cooking okra, capture a seemingly barren, bleak life that is actually full of joy, warmth, and love. The beautiful illustrations and soothing repetition of the title phrase will captivate young readers, and open up an opportunity for her to ask her grandparents about what life was like when they were young.

Mei Mai is curious when she sees Gong Gong practicing tai chi in the garden — so she decides to join in! Although Gong Gong patiently teaches her the slow, gentle movements, Mei Mei has a little too much energy, and bounces and bobs rather than swaying. Then Mei Mei offers to teach Gong Gong a few of the yoga poses she learned at school...but Gong Gong's body doesn't bend or stretch nearly as well as hers does! In the end though, each agrees that the other's moves are "perfect," and both have enjoyed their time exploring new things together. This sweet story about valuing the process as much as the result — and about the relationship between grandfather and granddaughter — includes guides to the tai chi and yoga moves in the story.

A little girls' great-grandfather has a home full of fascinating treasures from his long life, but when invited to ask him for the story of any item that catches her eye, she picks an old cigar box. To her amazement, inside is a collection of matchboxes that represents her great-grandfather's life, each one holding a tiny remembrance of a significant event. This beautiful story, told exclusively as a dialogue between elder and child, captures the sense of history a great-grandparent can provide.

9-year-old Gabriella is a hockey star, and treasures her jersey with number 22, the same number as her idol, Hayley Wickenheiser. But when her new team jersey sports the number 9 instead, Gabe doesn't think she can set foot on the ice without her lucky number! Hope comes in an unexpected place: a story from Gabe's grandmother about how fortunate Gabe is to be able to play and a lesson in hockey history. Maybe number 9 can be a lucky number too... A touching story of a supportive grandmother, with a helping of sports history mixed in, this is sure to please a Mighty Girl hockey fan.

Ivy's grandmother is a gifted healer for four-legged creatures, but a terrible gardener, and her neighbors in Broomsweep often grumble about her messy, ill-kept garden. Then a contest is announced: the tidiest town in the kingdom will win a special prize! Now, Broomsweep is determined to get Ivy's grandmother to clean up her act. But at the same time, there's a sudden rush of refugees to Grandmother's cottage: everything from pixies to griffins to a dragon with a cold! They're going to cause quite the uproar... but they might also provide help at a critical time. This magical and humorous chapter book celebrates individuality and compassion above all.

It's 1952, and Azalea is dreading a summer helping her Grandmother Clark — she struggles to make friends at the best of times, and now she'll spend months in an unfamiliar town. When Billy Wong, a local Chinese-American boy, shows up to help in her grandmother's garden, Azalea is startled that her grandmother encourages her to talk to him. Not only does it turn out that Billy is easy to befriend, but Azalea also discovers that making friends with others isn't so hard — and that there's much more to her grandmother than meets the eye. Middle grade readers will love how this unexpectedly deep relationship with a little-known grandparent teaches Azalea important lessons about kindness, empathy, and looking beyond the surface.

This classic tale of an orphan girl who is sent to live with her cold, frightening grandfather has delighted children for over 100 years. As Heidi’s compassion and verve for life touch her grandfather’s heart, they also invite in everyone in this small, Alpine Swiss village. Its cast of fascinating characters and Mighty Girl heroine are sure to be a hit — and don’t be surprised if Grandma or Grandpa is thrilled to get to share a favorite childhood book of their own with their granddaughter!

12-year-old Genuine has the power to grant any good-hearted wish...except her own. Her father is unemployed, and the whole family lives off of Gram's social security. Genuine throws herself into granting wishes, hoping to make the world better, but as word spreads, the requests she gets overtake her ability to keep up. Gram cautions her, though, that wishing for a better life and building one are two very different things. And when her beloved Gram dies, it will be that wisdom that sees Genuine through her grief...and helps her find a path to her own good life. This heartfelt story with fascinating characters is sure to delight middle readers.

On their thirteenth birthday, every member of the Beaumont family gains a magical ability called a savvy. Gypsy is hoping for something amazing; instead she wakes up with blurry vision and glimpses of the future and past...including a terrifying vision of her very unmagical (and rather mean) Grandma Pat falling off a clock tower. Then, her parents announce that Grandma Pat has Alzheimer's and has to move in with them. Suddenly, all the savvies go haywire, and Gypsy's savvy switches so that she freezes time instead. Gypsy will have to negotiate these unexpected changes, accept the savvy she doesn't think she wants, and save her grandmother in order to set things to rights. This sequel to Ingrid Law's Savvy captures all the topsy-turvy feelings that come with a struggling grandparent — as well as a reminder that a family's love stands strong through everything.

Ruby’s grandmother is going to be gone all summer, visiting a new grandchild far away from her Mississippi home. So Ruby is sure that the whole summer will be lonely and boring. Instead, while she writes letters to her beloved grandmother, Ruby also makes some new friends, gets herself neck-deep in the school play, and learns enough about herself to come to terms with her grandfather’s death. Most importantly, Ruby learns that a grandmother’s love is big enough to take on separation and new family members, and still leave plenty of room for her.

In this keepsake journal, grandmothers and granddaughters can share thoughts, experiences, and precious memories easily! Thoughtful guidelines and prompts encourage them to talk about everything from childhood experiences to favorite books, and even their hopes and dreams for the future. There's plenty of free space to personalize the journal, as well as pages for drawing pictures and for writing a collaborative story. Written by the creators of Just Between Us: Mother and Daughter, this journal will quickly become a beloved connection between the generations.

11-year-old Ellie is nervous about the first year in middle school — and things only get stranger when an odd, cranky boy at her school turns out to be her Grandpa Melvin, who's dreamed of finding the secret to immortality. Having a grandfather her own age gives Ellie the chance to learn more about his passion for science but the more she learns, the more she wonders if science can go too far. Maybe Ellie has a few lessons to teach Melvin too. This lighthearted, funny book is sure to be a hit with science-loving kids.

New!

New!

Half Guatemalan, half American Quijana never really minded feeling more Anglo than Latinx until her Guatemalan cousins moved to town. Suddenly, her father is embarrassed that she doesn't speak Spanish or know much about her Guatemalan heritage. Quijana, on the other hand, is busy worrying about her Grandma, who's going through cancer treatment in Florida. When her parents announce the whole family will be traveling to Guatemala, Quijana plots to go to Florida instead — but maybe she needs this trip in order to figure out how all the pieces of her identity fit together. This lyrical novel about finding identity also celebrates the strength of a bond with a grandparent.

Pinmei's grandmother is a great storyteller, delighting both her listeners with exciting tales. But one day, the Emperor — who holds a grudge against the people of Pinmei's mountain — sends soldiers to kidnap Amah. The Emperor is searching for the Luminous Stone That Lights the Night, and Pinmei decides that the best way to get her grandmother back is to find the Stone. With her mysterious friend Yishan, Pinmei must face things they'd thought were only the realm of stories if she's going to rescue her grandmother in time. Readers will relish the evocative language in this book, a companion to the award-winning Where the Mountain Meets the Moon, as well as the depiction of a granddaughter's powerful love for her grandparent.

Delphine and her sisters Vonetta and Fern are back, and this time, they're visiting their grandmother, Big Ma, and her mother, Ma Charles, all the way in Alabama. It's not long after they arrive that they learn that Ma Charles' half sister, Miss Trotter, lives just across the street — and that the sisters haven't spoken in years. As the summer goes on, Delphine learns her family history from her grandmother and great-grandmother, and also struggles to deal with the resentment she feels at having to be caretaker for her younger siblings. But when tragedy strikes, Delphine learns that her family can, in fact, come together when it really matters. This companion to One Crazy Summer and P.S. Be Eleven will delight middle grade readers.

New!

New!

Cat is one of the only people who can keep her special-needs brother Chicken happy, and since her father passed away, she's become almost completely responsible for his care. But when a plan for a summer trip falls through, Cat and Chicken suddenly find themselves in the North Carolina home of their grandparents, Macon and Lily, who have been estranged from the family as long as Cat can remember. Cat's determined to protect Chicken, but as the summer goes on, she learns more about the troubled relationship between her mother and grandfather — and starts to admit just how overwhelmed she has been by caring for her brother. Emotional and real, this touching debut novel is perfect for fans of Lynda Mullaly Hunt or Ali Benjamin.

12-year-old Shayne is full of fond memories of summers with her grandparents in Maine. But this summer, her grandfather is gone; her BFF Poppy is more interested in boys than Shayne; and grandmother Bea, who's always been a collector, is now more of a hoarder, with the pile Shayne jokingly called "Junk Mountain" getting out of control. With the help of Linc, the eccentric Civil War-obsessed boy next door, Shayne will have to fight for the things that are most important to her — including her grandmother's happiness. It turns out that both growing up and growing old mean some of the same challenges, including being wiling to let go of the past. This sensitive story featuring a strong grandmother-granddaughter relationship is touching and relatable.

It's 1937, and fifteen-year-old Mary Alice is going to spend a year with her Grandma Dowdel while her brother is off working for the Civilian Conservation Corps. But while occasionally summer adventures with a grandmother who loved to shake up her neighbors might have been fun with Mary Alice was younger, now she doesn't know if she can make it through! Fortunately, Mary Alice discovers that if she's willing to join Grandma on whatever ride she has planned, everyone's sure to have fun. This Newbery Medal book offers both a fun romp and some interesting historical detail as it explores the relationship between an eccentric Grandma and a hesitant granddaughter.

It’s 1899, and Calpurnia lives in Texas with a crew of six brothers and a mother who’s disappointed by her lack of interest in girls’ skills like needlework and cooking. She’d much rather be exploring the world around her, and asking questions — like why the yellow grasshoppers in her yard are so much bigger than the green ones. Calpurnia’s grandfather, a naturalist, is the natural person to ask — even if he is distant most of the time. But in exploring the natural world together, Calpurnia and her grandfather will develop a close bond that rises above society’s ideas about what a girl should or shouldn’t do. Fans of Callie Vee and her family will also want to check out the sequel, The Curious World of Calpurnia Tate.

Mai considers herself a Californian girl, eager for a summer of fun in the sun with her friends, so she's furious when her parents insist that she travel to Vietnam with her grandmother to get in touch with her family's history. For Mai's grandmother, the trip represents a hope of finding her husband, lost during the Vietnam war; to Mai, Vietnam is hot, smelly, and confusing, a part of her parents' life, not her own. But as Mai travels with her grandmother — and sees more of the country that shaped her grandparents' and parents' lives — she begins to see the value of knowing where your family came from. This thoughtful novel is the follow-up to Thannha Lai's award-winning novel Inside Out and Back Again.

It's 1976, and 10-year-old Sunny finds herself spending the summer with her grandfather in his Florida retirement community while her parents wrestle with her older brother's addiction problems. Sunny loves her brother, but resents having to spend her precious summer months in Pine Palms, away from her friends. But as the summer goes on, Sunny finds a friend, has a few adventures, and even comes to have a new appreciation for her grandfather, who might be able to help her understand her family a little better. This fun and emotional graphic novel highlights how grandparents can support their grandchildren through trying times.

New!

New!

Meteorology-loving Delsie has lived with her grandmother in a Cape Cod village since her mother left her as a baby, but recently she's been wishing she had a "normal" family. When her best off-Cape friend, Brandy, arrives for the summer, she comes wearing makeup and with a new friend, and together they sneer at Delsie's poverty and immaturity. So Delsie sets out to befriend Ronan, another new arrival in the village, and discovers that they have some unexpected things in common — and that, in the words of her wise Grammy, "The ones that love you protect your feelings because they’ve been given a piece of you." This touching story by the author of Fish in a Tree features a resilient Mighty Girl who discovers that, with real friends and loving family by your side, you can stand strong through just about any weather.

The year has been anything but lucky for Summer: an emergency has taken her parents back to Japan, leaving Summer and her brother Jaz — and the family farm's harvest — in the hands of her demanding grandparents, Obaachan and Jiichan. Summer tries not to disappoint, but just when she thinks she's used up her train of bad luck, things get even worse, and Summer finds herself torn: please Obaachan, or rescue the family fortunes. Or maybe there's a way to do both... This National Book Award winner is sure to be a favorite for Mighty Girls who find it hard to see eye to eye with their grandparents' expectations.

Kahu is the only great-grandchild of Koro, chief of her tribe, and shows many of a chief’s talents. Koro is desperate to find a successor, but by Maori tradition a girl can’t lead. Still, Kahu is desperate to earn Koro’s respect. When a pod of whales is beached and the tribe rushes to save them, Kahu remembers the stories of her legendary namesake, Kahutia the whale rider. Perhaps her connection with the whales is the key to her tribe’s future — and her relationship with her great-grandfather. This stunning book was also adapted into the 2003 movie, starring Kesha Castle-Hughes.

On a road trip with her two teenaged granddaughters, who look askance at Mare's wigs and stilettos, Mare decides to open up to them about her past. As the miles roll by, the girls learn that their seemingly embarrassing grandmother actually has a spine of steel: from her escape from a harsh, dangerous childhood home in the deep South, to lying about her age to join the Women's Army Corps, Mare has always reached out and grabbed life with both hands. This story is perfect for sharing the experiences of African-American women during World War II with a curious new generation.

You can create a thoughtful keepsake for your grandchildren with this elegant guided journal that's perfect for gift-giving! A grandmother can go through this journal herself, or do it with her grandchild; along the way, she'll share stories of her own childhood, memorable events from her life and history, and even special details like the secret recipe for a family treat. A pocket at the back allows you to stash a couple of special items like notes or a treasured photo, resulting in a truly one-of-a-kind memory book.

With this guided journal, a grandfather can record his most important memories, from childhood experiences, to the birth of his own child, to the special times he spends with his grandchild! Elegantly designed and illustrated, this journal has spaces for things like creating a family tree and recording special family traditions — and it even includes digital media prompts for Grandpa to incorporate. Once finished, it's a charming and meaningful keepsake that both grandfather and grandchild will love.

Imagine creating a set of letters to share with your grandchildren — now or many years from now! With this book of letter prompts, you can write and postdate twelve letters covering topics from "a special story about our family" to "what I want you to know about me." Seal the letters with the included stickers, and you've created a priceless memento to share with your grandchildren now or let them enjoy in the future.

Within these pages, a grandparent can store precious memories for grandchildren... and beyond! This 96 page journal is full of prompts to help grandparents share special stories about everything from family history to their experiences with work, community, and love. Archival, acid-free paper ensures your memories will be preserved, while still being a pleasure to write on, and a pocket on the inside back cover provides storage for notes, keepsakes, photographs, and more.

Help keep A Mighty Girl growing in the years ahead!

If you discover books or other resources via this post that you
would like to purchase, please use the "Buy at Amazon" and other
links found on every A Mighty Girl product page. By doing so, at
no added cost to you, you help to support the site and allow us
to continue providing you with wonderful girl-empowering resources.
We appreciate your support!